Detailed Summary of ROC Solid Episode 7 featuring Just Blaze
Release Date: July 22, 2025
1. Introduction and Brotherhood
Timestamp: [02:07] - [03:04]
Memphis Bleek opens the episode by introducing his longtime friend and collaborator, Just Blaze. He emphasizes their deep-rooted brotherhood that began in the late '90s, highlighting their shared history and mutual respect within the hip-hop community.
Memphis Bleek:
"You know if anybody on this show that mean they Rock Solid and they my brothers and I'm happy to announce I got my real bro, Just Blaze in the studio."
[02:42]
Just Blaze:
"Yes sir."
[02:42]
2. New Music Projects: "Durag Bleak"
Timestamp: [03:04] - [05:19]
The conversation shifts to Memphis Bleek's upcoming music release, titled "Durag Bleak." He discusses the inspiration behind the record, blending his past influences with his current artistic vision. The name reflects his personal growth and the evolution of his message.
Memphis Bleek:
"You hear that young hunger, and when you really listen, you like damn Bleak talking that grown-up talk."
[03:53]
Just Blaze:
"That's why I was like, it's Durag Bleak. Word up."
[03:52]
3. Grassline Entertainment and Video Game Production
Timestamp: [04:00] - [11:32]
Just Blaze delves into his venture into the video game industry with Grassline Entertainment, a production studio he started with his family and partners. He shares the challenges they faced, including a significant flood that damaged their equipment, and their commitment to rebuilding and preserving their legacy.
Just Blaze:
"We had the soda machine on all this. Got rid of all of that and just kept the important stuff."
[10:26]
Memphis Bleek:
"That's the beauty of this business, man. Watching everything come to fruition that you put down on paper."
[05:02]
4. The Legacy of Baseline Studio
Timestamp: [11:32] - [22:17]
Memphis and Just Blaze reminisce about Baseline Studio, a pivotal hub in hip-hop history. They discuss its significance, the iconic equipment housed there, and the collaborative environment that fueled countless classic records. The studio's transformation into a museum underscores its enduring impact on the genre.
Memphis Bleek:
"That studio made classics, man. Like, we got a lot of history to talk about in Baseline."
[11:30]
Just Blaze:
"It's more than just a studio. It's a creative hub at that point."
[34:37]
5. DJ Battles and Studio Culture
Timestamp: [13:10] - [29:38]
The hosts delve into the vibrant culture of DJ battles at Baseline, particularly highlighting the origin of "Keep It Real Wednesday." They share anecdotes about legendary DJ battles, the competitive yet supportive atmosphere, and the camaraderie that defined their time at the studio.
Just Blaze:
"This is how Keep It Real Wednesday originated."
[27:14]
Memphis Bleek:
"They sound good on a boombox. And it just so happened that the first time that came about was on a Wednesday."
[28:45]
6. Collaborations with Jay-Z and Iconic Records
Timestamp: [36:34] - [47:19]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to their collaboration with Jay-Z. Just Blaze recounts the creation of iconic tracks like "Hypnotic" and the spontaneity of their creative process. Memphis shares insights into Jay-Z's work ethic and the dynamic nature of their partnership.
Memphis Bleek:
"That's how we did Hypnotic. He turned the lights down in the studio, had incense burning, and went to sleep."
[36:34]
Just Blaze:
"He wakes up with the verse. Like, what the hell? You wrote a verse in your sleep."
[36:55]
7. Media, Journalism, and the Modern Music Landscape
Timestamp: [54:19] - [59:35]
The discussion takes a critical turn as Memphis and Just Blaze address the current state of media and journalism in the music industry. They express concerns over lack of context, the spread of misinformation, and how sound bites can distort an artist's true message. They advocate for more authentic and in-depth conversations to preserve the integrity of hip-hop narratives.
Just Blaze:
"The way out the way for me was like, for us, or rather when I say for us, I mean like on the studio side."
[35:36]
Memphis Bleek:
"They make no sense. It makes no sense."
[56:32]
8. Personal Anecdotes: Cars and Early Days
Timestamp: [61:28] - [66:33]
Just Blaze shares personal stories about his journey from buying and decorating cars in New York City to owning luxury vehicles like Teslas and Lamborghinis. Memphis reminisces about their experiences at Baseline, the camaraderie, and the personal losses they've endured, adding depth to their narratives.
Just Blaze:
"I moved out to New York at a young age, like 17, 18, literally $40 in my pocket."
[62:18]
Memphis Bleek:
"State Property dips. Everybody worked at night. So I would come to the studio."
[34:50]
9. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
Timestamp: [67:22] - [70:28]
Memphis reveals his plans for a new album that aims to convey vulnerability and share his life lessons with the younger generation. Just Blaze promotes their sneaker-focused project "Fresh Pear," collaborating with Caddy Customs and Uproxx, highlighting its unique blend of sneaker design and artist storytelling.
Memphis Bleek:
"I want to have you on there... Son, I'm about to shoot your video. Hopefully this summer."
[67:59]
Just Blaze:
"We build a custom sneaker around the artist's journey and their career and their life."
[69:07]
10. Conclusion and Final Remarks
Timestamp: [70:28] - [71:24]
The episode wraps up with Memphis and Just Blaze encouraging listeners to follow their projects and stay connected through social media. They reflect on the enduring legacy of their work and the importance of staying true to their roots.
Memphis Bleek:
"You can follow me on any social media platform under the name Memphis Bleak."
[70:28]
Just Blaze:
"Please tune in new episodes, dropping every show."
[70:12]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Memphis Bleek:
"The message is who I am now."
[03:45] -
Just Blaze:
"It was the hardest thing I have right now that we can."
[16:06] -
Memphis Bleek:
"Dame was that guy that was on your neck if you wasn't fresh."
[31:59] -
Just Blaze:
"Once something is on the Internet, it lives forever."
[47:58] -
Memphis Bleek:
"We don't diss each other, right? We support each other."
[31:29]
Conclusion
Episode 7 of ROC Solid offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Memphis Bleek and Just Blaze, exploring their illustrious careers, personal journeys, and the evolving landscape of hip-hop. Through candid conversations and shared memories, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion that drive these industry legends. The episode not only celebrates their past achievements but also sets the stage for exciting future projects, reinforcing the essence of being "ROC Solid."
Stay tuned to ROC Solid for more raw conversations, untold stories, and exclusive industry insights. Stay solid. Stay Roc.